Freed-Hardeman University Prepares for Homecoming 2011

Freed-Hardeman University is preparing for Homecoming festivities Friday, Nov. 11-12. A number of activities have been planned for both students and alumni. The Student Alumni Association, which organizes the celebration, selected the overall theme, “The Legacy Lives On.”

Betsy Hesselrode, assistant vice president for alumni relations and co-sponsor of SAA, said “There is something for everyone at Homecoming this year. My favorite part is seeing people get together with their old friends. That’s what makes Homecoming great!”

The Homecoming play, “Guys and Dolls,” will be presented Nov. 10-12 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $3 for students. Tickets can be purchased at FHUTickets.com or by contacting the theatre office at 731-989-6938.

The Associates’ craft fair and silent auction will be in Bader Gym Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Items ranging from baked goods to handmade baskets to jewelry and candles will be offered for sale. The silent auction will conclude at noon Saturday. A new feature this weekend is portraits by professional photographer Mark Hawks. The Associates will offer their traditional holiday meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Lunches are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. All proceeds from the luncheon, auction, and craft fair benefit Freed-Hardeman.

For those who are artistically minded, the FHU fine arts faculty will present an art exhibition starting Oct. 31 and continuing until Nov. 31. The show will feature work from FHU faculty members Brian Bundren, Kristi Montague, Barbara England and Laquita Thomson. Reception and artist talk are set for Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.

A banquet Friday, Nov. 11, will recognize student Homecoming representatives and announce the Homecoming king and queen. Alumni awards will also be presented including Service to Community, Service to Youth, Service to the Church, Service to Profession, The Henry and Ruby Dodd Memorial Award and Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

For the students, a primary component of Homecoming is the club competitions. Several changes have been made this year, including the Pep Rally and subsequent bonfire being moved to Friday night and two former events, Puff-It-Up and Hoop-It-Up, being brought back Monday and Tuesday nights, respectively.

Saturday is filled with FHU class reunions. Reunions will be held for the classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006. Saturday chapel is held in Old Chapel Hall and will be followed by band, University Singers and Chorale performances.


Homecoming culminates with the Lion and Lady Lion basketball games Saturday, Nov. 12. The excitement begins with Pride Walk from the Commons to the Brewer Sports Center at 11 a.m. Immediately following is tailgating, which includes a number of child-friendly activities such as face painting and games.

The Lady Lions will play the University of Mobile at 1 p.m. and the Lions will play Shorter University at 3 p.m. Club competition awards and the Homecoming court winners will be presented between the two games.
For more information on Homecoming, visit fhu.edu/homecoming.